LOVELAND, Colo. – July 19, 2016 − The Loveland Chamber of Commerce has selected Doug Rutledge as the 2016 Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival Grand Marshal. The Corn Roast Grand Marshal is a community member who has made a significant impact on the Loveland community. Doug Rutledge will be recognized during the 2016 Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival kick off Friday, Aug. 19 at 5 p.m. and will lead the Corn Roast parade Saturday, Aug. 20 at 9:30 a.m.

“Doug Rutledge embodies every quality of the grand marshal criteria we are looking for, both personally and professionally. By giving his time and talents to numerous locals causes, Doug has excelled as an active and informed community member over the course of his lifetime,” said Mindy McCloughan, president and CEO of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce. “We are honored to recognize him as our 2016 Corn Roast Grand Marshal.”

Loveland has been Doug’s home for most of his life, attending second grade at the old Washington School and graduating from Loveland High School in 1962. After graduating from the University of Colorado with a degree in Civil Engineering, he married Sheila Hurley, also from Loveland, and began his career in the Aerospace industry. After a brief relocation to Denver, Doug and Sheila returned to Loveland, where they raised their two sons and have lived ever since. He is Chief Integration Officer of KL&A structural engineers and builders in Loveland.

Doug is currently chairman of the Loveland Business Partnership. He has previously served and chaired a number of local organizations including the Loveland Human Relations Commission, the United Way Allocations Committee, Loveland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Loveland Rotary Club, the Loveland Rotary Club Foundation, City of Loveland Economic Development Strategic Planning Force, City of Loveland Downtown Working Group and Loveland High Plains Arts Council. Doug also is an active supporter, member and director of many local community organizations including the Loveland Downtown Development Authority, the Loveland Downtown Partnership, the Warehouse Business Accelerator and the Governor’s Art Show and Sale.

Meet the Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival Grand Marshal and help recognize his achievements as the 2016 Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, 2016 in downtown Loveland.

About the Loveland Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1902, the Loveland Chamber of Commerce is Northern Colorado's "driving force for business." Comprised of over 700 local companies, the chamber offers a vast array of educational and networking programs to help its investors, both large and small, gain the skills and resources necessary to thrive and prosper in today's economy. As a founding member of the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance (NCLA), the chamber also serves as an advocate for business, working on behalf of entrepreneurs to lead and influence local, state and federal policy on issues affecting the unique interests of business in Northern Colorado. For more information on the Loveland Chamber, please call 970-667-6311 or visit www.loveland.org.

LOVELAND, Colo. – July 6, 2016 – The Loveland Chamber of Commerce has announced the full 2016 Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival schedule. The event, held in downtown Loveland Aug. 19-20, features four blocks of family fun, adventure, entertainment and interactive activities. This year’s theme is, “May the Corn Be With You.”

New to the Corn Roast Festival this year is a Cornhole Tournament put on by Stir, the chamber’s young professionals group. Teams of two are encouraged to participate in some friendly rivalry as they compete for the championship title in this classic summer past-time. Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place teams and will include a custom cornhole set, cash prizes and brewery sponsor gift sets. Only 32 teams are allowed to compete in the tournament and will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Registration fees are $70 per team; applications and fees can be submitted to the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, 5400 Stone Creek Circle.

The festival features live music and entertainment for all ages in addition to various food and artisan vendors, a kid’s zone with activities, pony rides and a petting zoo, parade, corn eating contest, corn shucking contest, duck race as well as tons of roasted and boiled GMO-free corn. There will be a pancake breakfast from 6:30 – 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20 in the Loveland Reporter-Herald parking lot on the corner of 5th and Cleveland Avenue. The cost for the breakfast is $7 for adults and $3.50 for children 12 and under. All proceeds go to Elks Veterans Programs.

Attendees can enjoy live music from two local and regional bands, including Friday’s headliner, Soul School, performing from 8 – 10:30 p.m. and Saturday’s headliner, Blues DoGs, performing from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. The full schedule is detailed below.

2016 Corn Roast Schedule of Events

*All activities held in downtown Loveland (vicinity of 4th and Railroad)

Put on by the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, the 2016 Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival presents an exciting mix of music, shopping, fun festival foods and multiple corn-related activities including the kick-off corn shucking contest and the corn eating contests and the Corn Roast parade on Saturday, not to mention all the delicious boiled and roasted GMO-free corn that you can eat!

About the Loveland Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1902, the Loveland Chamber of Commerce is Northern Colorado’s “driving force for business.” Comprised of more than 700 local companies, the Chamber offers a vast array of educational and networking programs to help its investors, both large and small, gain the skills and resources necessary to thrive and prosper in today's economy. As a founding member of the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance (NCLA), the Chamber also serves as an advocate for business, working on behalf of entrepreneurs to lead and influence local, state and federal policy on issues affecting the unique interests of business in Northern Colorado. For more information on the Loveland Chamber, please call 970-667-6311 or visit www.loveland.org.

Crowd Favorite Soul School and The Blues DoGs will take the stage for this year’s festivities

LOVELAND, Colo. – May 17, 2016 − The Loveland Chamber of Commerce has announced two bands that have been selected to play at the 2016 Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival. Soul School, featuring harmonious vocals and smooth jazz beats, returns as a crowd favorite to play Friday night. The festival closes with Saturday headliner, The Blues DoGs.

Soul School has played at many local and national events, weddings, Loveland festivals and is always a crowd pleaser due to their high-energy performance style. Their extensive entertainment experience and vast repertoire of music which includes Golden Oldies, Beach, Motown, Country, Jazz, Rock, Funk, Rhythm and Blues and Contemporary, allows Soul School to offer music that attendees are sure to enjoy.

The Blues DoGs began in Fort Collins more than 15 years ago. Their unique horn sound, tight vocal harmonies, unbelievably talented crew of solo artists on guitar, harmonica, and keyboard, coupled with two powerful lead singers that you’ll be hard pressed to have more fun than the band at the show!

“We are excited to have Soul School return and introduce the Blues DoGs to this year’s festival as they are sure to keep attendees dancing throughout the event,” said Mindy McCloughan, Loveland Chamber of Commerce president.

Soul School is anticipated to play at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19. The Blues DoGs are expected to kick off their set around 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20. For a more detailed schedule of events and further information, visit www.loveland.org/TheCornRoastFestival/.

About the Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival

The 2016 Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival will be held Aug. 19 - 20, 2016. The event includes the parade, corn shucking competition, corn hole competition, corn eating contest and all the roasted and boiled corn anyone could eat! In addition, people of all ages enjoyed a variety of entertainment, great vendors and more. General attendance and all concerts are free and open to the public. Corn will be for sale throughout the festival. Roasted corn will be available Friday, and roasted or boiled corn will be available sale on Saturday. An ear of corn only cost two tokens and all of our corn is GMO free! The event is produced by the Loveland Chamber of Commerce.

About the Loveland Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1902, the Loveland Chamber of Commerce is Northern Colorado's "driving force for business." Comprised of over 700 local companies, the chamber offers a vast array of educational and networking programs to help its investors, both large and small, gain the skills and resources necessary to thrive and prosper in today's economy. As a founding member of the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance (NCLA), the chamber also serves as an advocate for business, working on behalf of entrepreneurs to lead and influence local, state and federal policy on issues affecting the unique interests of business in Northern Colorado. For more information on the Loveland Chamber, please call 970-667-6311 or visit www.loveland.org.

A prestigious community leader will be recognized at one of Loveland’s longest standing festivals

LOVELAND, Colo. – March 30, 2016 − The Loveland Chamber of Commerce is now accepting grand marshal nominations for the 2016 Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival. Nominees must be long-standing community members who have made a significant impact on Loveland. Nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. June 3, 2016.

The Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival grand marshal is recognized as an outstanding individual who gives back to the community. In addition to leading the Corn Roast parade, the grand marshall also will play a role in a variety of activities throughout the festival, such as the event kick-off, corn shucking contest and the corn eating contest.

At the minimum, the grand marshall nominee should:

- Be a dynamic and inspirational individual with local ties that have had a direct impact on the Loveland community

- Have professional achievement or significant accomplishments to the community including awards and special recognition

- Embody the principles of community having civic and community involvement and advance causes for the community

- Be recognized for notable contributions to Loveland’s achievements

- Be an individual who has been a part of historic moments in Loveland’s history

- Demonstrate loyalty to Loveland, its business, residents and to self

Nominations must include a completed nomination form (found at the official Corn Roast Festival website, www.loveland.org/TheCornRoastFestival or at the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, 5400 Stone Creek Drive) and at least two letters of support. Nominations may also include a current candidate resume and collateral pieces such as articles or publications that speak that speak to the candidate’s qualifications for this prestigious role.

Self nominations are not accepted. The Corn Roast standing committee will make selections in June. Submissions and questions may be directed to info@loveland.org or 970-667-6311.

About the Loveland Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1902, the Loveland Chamber of Commerce is Northern Colorado's "driving force for business." Comprised of over 700 local companies, the chamber offers a vast array of educational and networking programs to help its investors, both large and small, gain the skills and resources necessary to thrive and prosper in today's economy. As a founding member of the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance (NCLA), the chamber also serves as an advocate for business, working on behalf of entrepreneurs to lead and influence local, state and federal policy on issues affecting the unique interests of business in Northern Colorado. For more information on the Loveland Chamber, please call (970) 667-6311 or visit www.loveland.org.

Tax season is upon us. This time of year most business owners have a heightened sense of awareness surrounding their company’s financial health. But as you dissect your financial health,

have you ever stopped to consider your company’s total health, your employee’s health, and how it is all related?

I mentioned last month that data shows healthy employees have increased productivity and decreased absenteeism. Encouraging employees to take the time to exercise and improve their diets will limit costly injuries and have benefits that impact your company’s bottom line as well.

Integrating a culture of health and wellness at work may feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some simple activities that can easily be incorporated into the workday:

Walking Meetings: Have a problem to talk through, or a creative plan to develop? Make it a mobile meeting and discuss the issue while walking a few laps around the parking lot.

Long meeting – add a 60 second recess in the middle: Employee’s attention tends to be less focused on the meeting after about 25-30 minutes. When a meeting is scheduled to last an hour or longer, take a minute in the middle to do a group stretch and get the blood flowing again. Have everyone stand, stretch to the left and right, and maybe do a few jumping jacks before resuming the meeting. A simple stretch break in the middle of a long meeting can increase the energy level and help employees refocus on the subject at hand.

Take walk breaks: Encourage your employees to get out and walk during their break time. Walking is good for your heart, burns calories, lowers your risk of disease, tones muscles, increases oxygen levels in your blood leading to more energy, and releases endorphins that generally make you feel happier. At lunch, the employees in our office like to walk over to the local sandwich shop as a group, and bring our food back to the office.

Healthy food options at work: If your workplace provides vending machines for employees, add a few healthier options to the mix such as baked chips, rice cakes, and dried fruit as alternatives to candy bars and cookies. No vending machines? Consider having monthly department pot-luck lunches that encourage healthy eating choices.

Whatever steps you take to encourage health among your workforce, your company will ultimately benefit in the long run by having employees who are present, focused, energetic, and well. To get started, ask your insurance carrier about workforce health programs they may offer for your organization.

- Jason Tacha is the Executive Director for Kaiser Permanente, Northern Colorado and Board Chair for the Loveland Chamber of Commerce.

LOVELAND, Colo. – Aug. 14, 2015 – The Loveland Chamber of Commerce has announced the parade route for the 2015 Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival. The parade and USA Pro Challenge will both pass through the streets of downtown Loveland, causing several road closures the weekend of Aug. 21-22.

The annual parade, which will kick off at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 22, starts at the corner of 1st St. and Railroad Ave. The route then takes the parade north on Railroad Ave. to 6th St., turn right on 6th St. and head south on Cleveland Ave. where it will then head south on Cleveland Ave. to 8th St. SE, and will continue north back to the parade’s start.

Along with the Corn Roast Festival parade, visitors can catch a front-row view of the USA Pro Challenge cyclists as they pass through the Corn Roast Festival. The sixth stage of the race starts at 11:35 a.m. in Loveland at The Ranch Events Complex before going through Windsor and then headed to downtown Loveland. The cyclists will race from 1st Street to 5th Street on Lincoln Ave. before turning and heading back down Cleveland Ave. before heading to Carter Lake.

Public Transportation and Parking

Visitors can catch one of the free COLT Corn Roast Festival buses to come and enjoy the Corn Roast Festival in downtown Loveland. This free service is a pilot program through the city of Loveland. Riders are asked to be at the stop five minutes prior to departure and have strollers, walkers or mobility devices ready to load. One shuttle bus will run every hour and will pickup at the following stops:

Southbound Cleveland (Hwy 287) will be closed from 7th Street to 1st Street as part of the enclosure for the Corn Roast Festival Parade at 8 a.m. and will remain closed until both the men’s and women’s bike races pass through. (approximately 12:30 p.m.).

Put on by the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, the 2015 Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival presents an exciting mix of music, shopping, fun festival foods and multiple corn-related activities including the kick-off corn shucking contest, corn eating contests, corn recipe contests and the Corn Roast parade. Not to mention all the delicious boiled and roasted corn that you can eat!

About the Loveland Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1902, the Loveland Chamber of Commerce is Northern Colorado’s “driving force for business.” Comprised of more than 700 local companies, the Chamber offers a vast array of educational and networking programs to help its investors, both large and small, gain the skills and resources necessary to thrive and prosper in today's economy. As a founding member of the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance (NCLA), the Chamber also serves as an advocate for business, working on behalf of entrepreneurs to lead and influence local, state and federal policy on issues affecting the unique interests of business in Northern Colorado. For more information on the Loveland Chamber, please call (970) 667-6311 or visit www.loveland.org.

LOVELAND, Colo. – July 28, 2015 – The Loveland Chamber of Commerce has announced the full 2015 Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival schedule. The event, which will be held in downtown Loveland Aug. 21-22, will include a parade, corn eating contest, corn shucking contest, delicious boiled and roasted corn and live entertainment for all ages. The event theme, “Tour De Corn” supports the collaboration of this year’s Corn Roast Festival with the USA Pro Challenge coming through downtown on Saturday Aug. 22. General attendance and all concerts are free and open to the public.

“The Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival is Loveland’s longest running community event and brings together businesses, families and visitors alike to celebrate the community’s agricultural roots,” said Loveland Chamber of Commerce president Mindy McCloughan. “This year’s event is enhanced as the USA Pro Challenge will be coming through downtown Loveland on the same day. We see this as an opportunity to showcase Loveland’s welcoming community and its thriving economy. We are doing what we can to make this a wonderful weekend for all.”

Attendees can enjoy live music from local and regional bands, including Friday headliners Retro, an 80s tribute band, playing from 8 – 10 p.m. and Saturday headliners Soul School, playing from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. along with Cable Ten, performing from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. The full schedule is posted below.

The Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival is two blocks of family fun, adventure, entertainment and interactive activities. In addition to live music and entertainment listed above, there will be various food and artisan vendors, a kid’s zone with activities, pony rides and a petting zoo as well as tons of roasted and boiled corn.

2015 Corn Roast Schedule of Events

*All activities downtown Loveland in the vicinity of 4th and Railroad – Streets will be closed starting at 5:30 a.m. on Friday Aug. 21st for event set up.

Put on by the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, the 2015 Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival presents an exciting mix of music, shopping, fun festival foods and multiple corn-related activities including the kick-off corn shucking contest, corn eating contests, corn recipe contests and the Corn Roast parade. Not to mention all the delicious boiled and roasted corn that you can eat!

About the Loveland Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1902, the Loveland Chamber of Commerce is Northern Colorado’s “driving force for business.” Comprised of more than 700 local companies, the Chamber offers a vast array of educational and networking programs to help its investors, both large and small, gain the skills and resources necessary to thrive and prosper in today's economy. As a founding member of the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance (NCLA), the Chamber also serves as an advocate for business, working on behalf of entrepreneurs to lead and influence local, state and federal policy on issues affecting the unique interests of business in Northern Colorado. For more information on the Loveland Chamber, please call (970) 667-6311 or visit www.loveland.org.

LOVELAND, Colo. – July 20, 2015 − The Loveland Chamber of Commerce has selected Phil and Janice Farley as the 2015 Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival Grand Marshals. The Corn Roast Grand Marshals are community members who have made a significant impact on the Loveland community. Phil and Janice Farley will be recognized during the 2015 Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival kick off Friday, Aug. 21 at 5 p.m. and will lead the Corn Roast parade Saturday, Aug. 22 at 8:30 a.m.

“Our community is better because of Phil and Janice Farley. They have both generously given their time and talents to numerous local causes since moving to Loveland in 1978. Individually, and together, they not only meet but exceed the grand marshal criteria and we are honored to recognize them as our 2015 Corn Roast Grand Marshals,” said Mindy McCloughan, president and CEO of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce.

Phil’s work with Hewlett Packard brought the Farley family to Loveland more than 40 years ago. Phil is currently serving on the Loveland City Council and has previously served and chaired a number of boards including the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, Loveland Rotary Club, Larico Youth Homes, the Board of Regents at Regis University and the Education Committee at St. John the Evangelist Catholic School. He has been recognized as Citizen of the Year by the Loveland Rotary, has volunteered for community events such as Sculpture in the Park, the Debbie Boose Memorial Tennis Tournament, the Governor's Art Show and Walk MS: Northern Colorado. Phil has been an active supporter, volunteer and organizer of many local community organizations including the, Loveland Community Fund Committee, Loveland Generations, Loveland Downtown Team, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Thompson R2J Education Foundation Board and the Community Kitchen. Phil also directed the Rialto Bridge campaign as the Loveland Community Outreach Director for the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado. He has also coached little league for the Loveland Baseball Association and taught computer classes for the Thompson School District.

Janice served as PTA president and worked closely as a volunteer in the Thompson School District. She also serves or volunteers on many committees including as PEO president, a Great Books leader, a volunteer for the McKee Medical Center newborn hearing program, the Debbie Boose Tennis Tournament, the education committee at St. John the Evangelist Catholic School, Sculpture in the Park and the Governor's Art Show. Janice’s love and dedication for the community continues through her work on the McKee Breast Center campaign as she supports many breast cancer survivors in Loveland by sending them a card on their cancer-free anniversary date. Together Phil and Janice were instrumental in starting "Loveland Generations," building an ongoing structure to continue the philanthropic spirit among all age groups in the Loveland Community.

Meet the Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival Grand Marshals and help recognize their achievements as the 2015 Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival kicks off at 5 p.m.Friday, Aug. 21, 2015 in downtown Loveland.

About the Loveland Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1902, the Loveland Chamber of Commerce is Northern Colorado's "driving force for business." Comprised of over 700 local companies, the chamber offers a vast array of educational and networking programs to help its investors, both large and small, gain the skills and resources necessary to thrive and prosper in today's economy. As a founding member of the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance (NCLA), the chamber also serves as an advocate for business, working on behalf of entrepreneurs to lead and influence local, state and federal policy on issues affecting the unique interests of business in Northern Colorado. For more information on the Loveland Chamber, please call 970-667-6311 or visit www.loveland.org.

In this day and age, who doesn’t want high-speed Internet? The city will be asking us to approve a ballot initiative that will allow them to provide or partner on broadband services. A 2005 law requires us to vote to restore local control on this issue, which has been unanimously endorsed by the chamber board.

However, the details will be important. The city has a tremendous track record of success with low cost electricity through our partnership in Platte River Power Authority (PPRA) with Longmont, Estes Park and Fort Collins. Many years ago, PPRA laid extra fiber optic cables through Loveland, which is an asset that could be used to bring broadband on a larger scale across the city.

The chamber encourages the city to partner with Fort Collins and Estes Park as they explore broadband options. Speaking to the success of the program, the city of Longmont has already chosen to implement this as a city utility. As each of the three cities independently studies broadband, there is an opportunity to leverage resources and reduce the costs to tax payers in each city.

It makes sense to build the partnership previously established through PPRA. High-speed Internet will be an economic development issue for our city and for all of northern Colorado. If Loveland lands a primary employer, some of the employees are likely to live here, but some will live in the outlying communities and will expect to have fast Internet access no matter where they reside. We need to look at making the pie bigger, not just that Loveland gets its slice.

We encourage the city to look at the impacts to private industry as well as if they are able to provide broadband as a utility. Given the pace of technological change, it may be better to form a public-private partnership or a franchise model. We’ll need to determine not only who and how, but how much and the details will be important. Stay tuned for additional updates on this issue.

Recently, I had breakfast with a local entrepreneur. At the beginning of his career, he had no intention of going into business because he previously thought that all business owners were inherently greedy. However, after starting his own company, he told me that owning a business was much more difficult than he expected and he was surprised at the amount of effort and funding he needed to grow. He now holds several patents and has a business that is on the verge of booming. This business owner now has a new respect for business people and a newfound perspective on how hard it is to make a buck.

Another small business in Loveland is Jorgensen Labs, which provides medical equipment to veterinarians. They have been in business since 1965 and have been in Loveland since 1970.

Earle Sethre, Jorgensen’s vice president, recently bid for a heart, part of the Loveland City with HeART program, at the Dancing with the Stars event. Unknown to Earle, his employees had already purchased a heart for the business, meant to be a surprise for the owner’s to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary. When the Jorgensen employees announced the gift to Earle, he thought it through and decided to donate the 2nd heart to the Heart-J foundation at the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch.

Earle and the young entrepreneur I recently met are pretty typical examples of the business people I know. They are hardworking, dedicated to their employees and customers, and generous to the community.

85 percent of our primary employers in Loveland are much like these two businesses; they are small businesses that typically employ less than 15 people and are a vital part of our economy. They contribute not only their business enterprise, but their time, talent and money to the local community.

You probably know one of these entrepreneurs, work for them or are one yourself. You can hardly turn on the news these days without hearing some bashing of Wall Street, corporations or “greedy” bankers. I always cringe a bit because I feel like they are impugning all business people.

I am thankful that greed and selfishness have never been a part of my business experiences in Loveland. Growing up, my Dad was an entrepreneur and gave to the community through countless organizations. All the business people I met growing up did the same thing and now, I find it true as a business owner myself. It’s a natural outcome for successful business people. We give, we serve and our community is better for it. The next time you’re in our wonderful community, take a look around and you will probably see many local business professionals working hard to make it successful.